YVR Cockroach
Dec 13, 01, 2:27 pm
Another better-late-than-never trip report. The non-AA flights were part of a now-discontinued CX-KL-NW (+MH?) RTW fare.
Flight Summary:
Alll flights in June
4 CX YVR HKG 744 BC
5 CX HKG BKK 772 BC
8 CX BKK HKG 773 BC
11 CX HKG KUL 772 BC
12 MH KUL JHB 734 EC
15 MH JHB KUL 734 EC
15 MH KUL LGK 734 EC
20 MH LGK PEN 734 BC
21 MH PEN KUL 734 BC
21 CX KUL HKG 343 BC
21 CX HKG CDG 744 BC
22 AA CDG JFK 763 EC
22 AA JFK EZE 772 EC
24 AA EZE JFK 772 EC
25 AA JFK CDG 772 EC
26 KL CDG AMS 738 BC
27 NW AMS JFK 744 BC
27 CX JFK YVR 744 FC
Hotels:
5-8 Regent Bangkok
8-11 Regal HK
11-12 Hyatt Saujana Kuala Lumpur
12-15 Hyatt Johor Bahru
15-20 Sheraton Perdana
20-21 Sheraton Penang
23-24 Hilton Buenos Aires
26-27 Hilton AMS
4 June CX 889 YVR 0205 HKG 06XX+1 744 B-HUG 81A
Had originally tought of heading off on 3 June on CX 839, the day flight, but decided to save the expense of an overnight in HKG.
Got to the airport at 10 or 11 the night before and had to wait for the CX check-in stuff setup and open the check-in desk. Took them some 10-15 minutes to get it all set up (much faster than it took 2 Thai staff to open check-in at BKK for BA that took some 45 minutes).
Check in was fast and I was off to the CX lounge after paying the C$15 airport tax/fee. The CX lounge was pretty quiet and always well-stocked with food. It became very busy when the incoming flight from JFK arrived and transit pax came in (they’re now not allowed off the a/c). Boarding began just after 1am. I went straight upstairs to my bulkhead row seat. I noticed on a flight last year that CX business class seats are not particularly comfortable for long overnight flights and this one was no different. The nice thing with the window bulkhead seat is one can use the side storage bins for a foot rest. I think the FAs (this crew ddn’t seem particularly efficient or graceful - bordering on inept - compared to other CX J staff). The upper deck was nearly full with the seat next to mine the only unoccupied seat (other than the 2 bulkhead seats on the other side of the aisle reserved from flight crew rest). Amenities kit was a L’Occitant one.
The flight crew was in a rush to get to HKG and I think pushback was 15-30 minutes early. A light snack was served after takeoff (all menus already sent to Carfield). Tried to sleep the night away but was awake for about 1/2 the flight. Breakfast served prior to arrival into HKG which was some 1 hr early. Aircraft docked at one of the preferred gates so getting to the CX Wing lounge didn’t take too long. Got to a shower to clean off the gunk of a 16 hour journey. I see that CX changed the library/reading room (in the BC section) to something more useful - a room with internet access terminals.
Did a search and found an earlier trip report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001844.html)
5 June CX 713 HKG 0855 BKK 10XX 772 B-HND 12H
Took at train to the nether regions of HKG to board the flight to BKK. The flight was not particularly full (can’t remember if this flight went on to SIN or turned around for HKG). Boarding was fast given the seperate line and entry way for premium pax. Noticed the side seat in row 11 on these 2-class 777s. It’s on the aisle but the adjacent “seat” serves at a footrest holder for the person behind this “seat” and a table for the person in row 11. The flight was pretty much routine wth usual CX service. The menus for this season featured creations of classical chinese cuisine created by the Garden chain of restaurants in HKG. I took the Chinese meal option on this breakfast flight. Didn’t have too long a wait for immigration on arrival into BKK but did observe the shortcut via the immigration office in action that several travellers were using.
Stayed at the Regent as my mother had managed to acquire prepaid stay vouchers in Australia for some low rate (<<USD100 inc. tax and breakfast). The rooms seemed a bit dated but still wonderfully large and reasonably well-maintainded since my first/last stay here in 1989. Lots of nice amenities and a fruit amenity that was changed daily. The buffet breakfast is excellent although some of the seasonings with the fresh fruit take a litle bit of getting used to. The hotel itself was undergoing a soft renovation.
8 June CX 750 HKG 1100 HKG 14XX 773 B-HNL 12C
Usual check in and departure through Thai immigration control. The CX lounge was closed for renovation so some lounge/cafe was available in its place. This flight was my first (and so far only) on a 777-300. I couldn’t tell the difference as I never wandered past the rear of the forward cabin but it did appear to be long. The a/c was making a stop en route from either the Gulf states or India. Arrival into HKG was pretty much ontime. There was some wait through immigration (about 10-15 minutes) but not too bad. Luggage was waiting when I cleared.
Decided to go down market and stayed at the Regal Causeway Bay as there was a decent rate and it was convenient for me (HKD 700 - CO puts up its FAs here). The rooms are decently-sized for H.K. and the hotel isn't that old. Got a high floor which helped reduced traffic noise (windows are only single glazed).
Was originally going to go to Cebu to use up my mileage allowance (one leg on a 744 with C seats in the FC cabin! - Had to give this up but I got something better at the end). There was excess mileage (< 5% over the 23,000 mile allowance) so I had to pay an extra 5% which the CX CTO in the Peninsula tower in Kowloon handled.
11 June CX 721 HKG 1455 KUL 1??? 772 B-HNA 11A
Checked in at the Central Airport Express station and took the train to HKG. The cab driver we took from Causeway Bay to the station tried to sell us a ride to the airport. Father was going on to SIN on SQ. Once we got through immigration, I asked about getting him as a guest in which the CX staff didn’t have a problem with.
Had lunch here (it’s nice, and free) and I also got to catch up on e-mail. His 744 flight was halfway down the terminal so we walked there. I still had tiem to spare so went back to the Wing, before heading out to the nether regions yet again for the KUL flight (this is the one that continues on to PEN).
Usual service and meal. Nothing exceptional to report.
CX Inflight entertainment
Didn’t notice the AVOD on the CX flights as I only stayed with audio or the flight map. I don’t recall many of the CX a/c being equipped with the expanded channel selection let alone AVOD.
Minimal waits for anything at KUL. Took a prepaid taxi to the Hyatt Saujana which is in the middle of an industrial/commercial estate outside town (only stayed at the Hyatt to get a free weekend night). The room I was given (at a MYR 190 rate including tax and breakfast) was one floor above the regency club level. Room was decent but I hated the cheap bidet toilet seat add-on. Was kept up at night trying to find the mosquito hiding in my room.
I wondered what the little green arrow stuck on the ceiling (and also in bedside drawers) were for. Only later did I realise they had a religious significance.
The breakfast was interesting - not because of the food and the other guests (golfers from Singapore apparently). There was no bacon but some simulated stuff made of meat from non-porcine animals. The remoteness and difficulty in getting a taxi (need to plan/book well ahead) is a drawback for those who want to be near the city.
This was my first visit to Malaysia in some 22 years and I noticed that Islam is more observed now than it appeared to be in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Certainly more women were covering their hair and wearing the long robes.
Spent the next day going to Ipoh and then headed down to KUL.
12 June MH XXX KUL 21XX JHB 2XXX 734
Just missed an earlier flight to JHB. Following deregulation in Malaysia, there were at least 2 other airlines but now it’s just MH domestically and no competition. As the fare was very cheap and first/business class was not much more, I tried to upgrade (mainly to get into the lounge) but BC/FC was full. Waited in KUL which has nothing much to offer.
Flight to JHB was very brief (good thing as it was pretty full). One round of drinks (one or two choices) served in the back cabin. Got onto a bus for the town (the bus goes on to SIN). Get dropped off just before the causeway and took a taxi to the Johor Bahru Hyatt.
This location is comparatively in the middle of nowhere (not as bad as Saujana) and a bit tired (it needs upkeep). Got upgraded to a RC room as the hotel was full of some chinese christian group. Not bad at an all-inclusive rate of MYR 190 with double dip breakfast in the cafe and RC (both serving regional delicacies). RC also served an afternoon tea and had a nice view of the north-eastern part of Singapore through the windows - albeit if you could see through the condensation. Wines offered were some cheap nasty stuff (might have gone off in the heat). Spent a few days tasting the delicacies on offer (Satay 10 sticks for MYR 4, teh terik) and revisiting natural attractions of my childhood days that are much less natural now. Near the Hyatt is an Indian cafe which still serves curries served on a big leaf with no eating utensils (use your fingers) - the traditional way. As remote as it was, there was a westerner eating there. One nice souvenir found at an Ace hardware store was an electronic fly swatter that continues to marvel.
15 June MH XXX JHB 1XXX KUL 1XXX 734
Another short flight back to KUL enroute to LGK. There were 4 adults and 3 children travelling. Bought upgrades for the adults at KUL so we could get into the MH domestic lounge. The free food and drinks at KUL was a nice way to spend the 3 hr layover. Malaysia/India snacks and a nasi (rice dish) were available.
15 June MH XXX KUL 1XXX LGK 1XXX 734
A slightly-longer flight to LGK. Youngest niece wanted to sit with me so I let my nephew sit with his mum (my sister) in FC/BC.
Took a van taxi to the Sheraton Perdana. It’s a nice resort but watch for the nasty sand flies. There are monkeys on the property. Rooms are decently-sized. Spent more time here eating fine Malaysian food (satay MYR 3-3.50 for 10). Also went to have a look at the Datai.
The hotel would not give me Starwood ponts for the stay as they said we were apparently on a wholesale rate even though it was the rate offered to us by sales for a family group (4 rooms for 4-5 nights). Not staying at a Starwood property again (unless it’s pricelined) as a result.
20 June MH XXX LGK 1XXX PEN 1XXX 734
Bought FC/BC tickets for my parents and myself. Other sister and B-i-L had come in from LHR via BKK and KUL a few days earlier and we all departed on the same day. This time, the lounge staff would not let the non EC pax go to the lounge even though it was empty. No loss as their flight departed shortly.
90 mile flight to PEN was brief with the trip lengthened by rounding the island from the west and then approaching from the south. A bigger seat, preflight drinks and wider inflight drink selection and canapes are what you get for a slightly more expensive fare. Saw a unmarked 767 (N767KS) which I’ve seen in other places.
Stayed at the Sheraton Penang (was hoping for the Free Fridays) at a cheap published rate (again MYR 190 or so) which included breakfast and tax. Got an upgrade to the executive floor. Hotel was a Merlin and is not well kept or finished but it was acceptable for that rate. Turns out this hotel may have been built on the land that the house my grandmother grew up in was on. Spent the evening finding delicious Penang delicacies. Also got around to the west side of Penang which is still relatively undeveloped and still has the very old malay houses with the intricate wood work/latticing. See and photograph these before they go. Breakfast was buffet style and included a good number of regional specialities.
21 June MH XXX PEN 1XXX KUL 1XXX 734
Checked in for the flight to KUL. Parents were going direct to SIN. Can’t remember using the lounge here. Uneventful short flight to KUL.
21 June CX 724 KUL 1730 HKG 2XXX 343 1K
Got my bag and rechecked myself at the CX counter and then through immigration/security and the shuttle to the international terminal. CX lounge is hidden upstairs. It’s an o.k. lounge but snack availability is somewhat poor.
Boarded the A340 which was one of those leased from CA. I knew this in advanced and got a seat in the FC section (same service/seat as BC section but more leg room and recline). The FAs kept the curtain between the two sections closed for whatever reason.
Arrived in HKG at the far section of the pier and got to the train stop just as a train pulled in. Only some 1/2 dozen others from my flight were quick enough to get the train (the waits are ridiculous and longer than they have to be as the trains only take passengers in one direction). Go to the transfer security area and go to the Wing for a shower.
21 June CX 261 HKG 2325 CDG 0XXX+1 744 B-HOW 11A
This flight to CDG was pretty full. Had a French seatmate next to me in my bulkhead wndow seat. Usual service and meal (dinner and breakfast). The flight route was a bit unusual as it first headed north (even slightly east) into the mainland before heading west over Russia due to favourable winds there. The entry into western europe was quite northerly (over the Gulf of Finland). Unfortunately it was cloudy for most of the daytime part of the flight until the the Rhein region. Landing into Paris was directly in but the taxi to the gate at CDG 2 was long. Earlier trip report on route (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001946.html) here.
Quick trip through French immigration (advantage of being seated right by 1L). Luggage handling staff here are AA ones. Took the RER train into gare du Nord where I found a place to stash my bags for the day (no left luggage facilities are available at CDG).
Wandered around the left bank and other parts of Paris for the day before heading to gar du Nord to get my bags and take a train back to CDG.
This following trip on AA was chosen as a fairly-efficient mileage run to requalify for AA PLT in one shot (needlessly as it turned out).
22 June AA 121 CDG 1755 JFK 1XXX 763 28J
This flight was shown as overbooked before I left Canada so I was hoping for a bump. Checked in after a fairly long wait in the premium check in where I got myself on the volunteer list. The offer was $1,000 voucher + hotel and meals. I would have loved to get my money back *and* the bump compensation. There was a long queue through French immigration due to a AF 742 flight to somewhere (Port du Prince?). Declined to join this line and instead headed to an empty immigration station and found my way to the gate area which required going upstairs through a cafetaria. Rechecked at the AA desk to make sure I was on the bump list and went downstairs to the AA lounge.
Turns out no volunteers were required. Those waiting to get one must have been non-revs and other pax who has missed the earlier flight. All the volunteers were boarded and there were some empty seats so sme standbys got on.
This flight was the first of 4 AA flight on a/c that didn’t appear to have been configured for MRTC (at least compared to my 5 AA M80 flights in). Usual AA service. Those who asked for wine on on the first round of refreshments were given two 1/2 bottles. Worked for me as I slept after finishing dinner until the pizza snack was served before arrival at JFK.
Immigration was quick at JFK. Had a quick visit through customs as I had some sea shells with me. Rechecked in for:
22 June AA 955 JFK 2215 EZE 1XXX+1 772 28C
Went to the AC lounge for a shower. Had the AC agent block me a row of 5 seats and gave her an SOS. Unfortunately, the seat map was inaccurate and I got the rear cabin bulkhead row with fixed armrests.
The meal services were immemorable. The alfajores was the highlight of the meal. The recline on the 772 seats are worse than what I remembered on the M80 seats.
Moved up to the 2nd row of economy seats when the a/c started descent for EZE so I could get through immigration faster. These seats are quite nice as they are configured for more leg room. Got out quickly and bought my ticket for the Manuel Tienda Leon bus to downtown Bs As. Was supposed to get on the 1100 but just made the 1030 bus. Transferred at the downtown station for a shuttle to the Hilton. It’s so new the driver got lost going there.
Got to the Buenos Aires Hilton (for the 3rd EWRDC stay) and marvelled at this wonderful hotel with the open atrium with a clear roof. Got upgraded to a executive floor room which was nice and large. The room (overlooking the Puerto Madero docks) was large and had a large walk-in closet with safe. The marble/granite bathroom had a seperate shower and bath, and seperately-closeted toilet and bidet. After I returned from lunch and a walk, a pastry dessert amenity was waiting in my room.
I had an encounter with the deteriorating fiscal and financial situation in Argentina - being squirted by pickpockets (they used a green liquid to simulate bird do and “offered” to help clean up). As many of you know, the Argentinean economy hasbeen in a recession for several years due to factors including excessive budget deficits and the uncompetive valuation of the Peso (pegged at parity to the USD) compared to the Brasilean real which has devalued substantially. Government workes, pensioners, and business supplying the government are paid in IOUs as there is no money to pay obligations. I saw beggars (even women with children) which i didn’t see on previous visits in 1991 or 1995. I try to help the Argentinean ecnomy by diverting my wine budget its way.
Too tired after 2 consecutive overnight flights, I just dined on snacks in the lounge which were adequate.
There’s a disco next to the Hilton that uses a bass that is felt much more than heard. That kept me up part of the night. Had a double dip breakfast (in the lounge and in the cafe as my room rate includded breakfast) before heading for a walk to the Recoleta cemetery, Teatro Colon (always miss the tours) and to some market near the Italian plaza (it wasn’t open) before heading back via the Casa Rosada. Noted that the windmill (molino?) tea house near the parliament was boarded up.
The Hilton gave ma a late check-out so I got on the 5pm MTL shuttle for the airport.
24 June AA 956 EZE 2030 JFK 06XX+1 772 41C
Got to the airport and checked in. 10minute wait through security/immigration and went to the AA AC. Got the 2nd last row this time and 4 seats with moveable armrest. This flight crew was the same one that came down the previous day. The seats are not particularly comfortable for lying down on but it was better than sitting up.
Flight got into JFK at 0530 but we had to stay onboard as immigration at NYC doesn’t open until 0600. A long wait (45 minutes) to the escalators as several flights from S. America deplaned at the same time. Even the flight crew had a bit of a wait.
Went to look for a left luggage office (didn’t want to haul the bags to Europe, lug them around Paris and then bring them back) and eventually found on in T3 (or 4) where they photograph you when you leave your bags. Went to Greenwich Village to meet a former b-school finance professor and then had a BBQ lunch with a b-school classmate in downtown (11th street area) travelling on the subway there and back.
25 June AA 44 JFK 1815 CDG 0XXX+1 772 27H
A pretty much full flight for those in the back. No calls for volunteers and I wasn’t upgraded but had an emergency exit seat. Seatmate by the window was off to Italy to visit her son in the military. Dinner service and then a light breakfast on this flight. I think I slept for most of it.
See this earlier-filed report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001918.html) about some fellow travellers who had some difficulty with the lavatory doors which provided the most entertainment.
A/c arrived at the CDG terminal with no gate so it was a hard stand and the busses. Didn’t get on the first bus but there wasn’t too much of a queue at immigration when I got there. There was a family who couldn’t get their carryons up the stairs (be prepared to carry what you bring on!)
The shuttle bus stop had moved since arrived in CDG 4 days earlier so I ended up missing a bus to the RER. Went into town and then the latin quarter to see a street market. Took a RER train up to to St. Denis to visit a friend who comes up from the Grenoble vicinity weekly and had a lunch at one of those wonderful restaurants that serve a delicious 3 course lunch and wine for $10.
Taken in full from an earlier (but unfinished) posted report.
26 June KL 1238 CDG 1705 1820 737-800 PH-BXK 2C
After having lunch with my friend in St. Denis, I took the RER back into Gare du Nord (inadvertently taking a train to the surafce station) and then headed back out to CDG on an express RER (no stops to CDG). Got to T1 stop only to find no shuttle bus (operated by Aeroports de Paris) to T1. When it did come, it was filled with pax who were getting out and rapidly filled with pax going to T1, leaving many behind. What was more frustrating, 3 busses left for CDG Terminal 2 when there is a RER stop for T2.
Gave myself enough time (2+ hours to spare) when I got to the terminal. Found my way up the labyrinth (note: CDG1's futuristic architecture has not aged well) to the KL BC check-in. Waited for a minute or 2 before the KLM UK agent asked me to check in which only took a few minutes. Headed off to Satellite 7 and found there was no lounge there so I asked. Was given a pass to the Louis Bleriot lounge which is in the main terminal and well hidden. You have to pass through immigration (the lounge receipt speeds up the process). it’s an o.k. lounge with ample liquid refreshments and papers, but there is no non-smokign section.
Returned to the gate where boarding was a bit late due to a late incoming flight. This was my first flight on a 737NG, not that I could tell the difference. KL configures business class in a 2-3 setting (seats are not the convertible type that BA or IB used). My seat was a bulkhead one as there is no 1A and 1C. There was a delay in pushback due to ATC hold but there was plenty of time built into the schedule.
After takeoff, a snack was offered. It had a rice salad, a wrap and a sandwich (if I recall correctly). Quite substantial for a sort flight. Service was fairly efficient and friendly on this short flight.
Quick trip through Netherlands immigration and AMS. Had to wait in the heat and sun for the Hilton shuttle bus (found out I could have walked there in the time as it is very close by).
An upgrade to the executive floor (this stay was for the final EWRDC stay) was waiting for me at the Hilton AMS. The room was a bit small (like a standard room in the U.S.) but adequate for me. There was a view of one of the gate areas and the end of a runway so it gave me a chance to watch air traffic. A fruit amenity was there in my room. The lounge offered afternoon snacks and drinks. Was thinking of going into the city but I was too tired for this (2 consecutive overnight flights again, 4 in 5 nights).
Had breakfast the next morning in the lounge (full dutch breakfast) before checking out and heading for the terminal.
27 June NW 61 AMS 1XXX JFK 1XXX 744
After check in, headed through immigration and to the KL lounge. Didn’t have too much time here before having to go to the gate and a 2nd round of security. Took my window seat which was the 2nd row behind the upper deck exit. Seatmate was a dutch professor off to give a talk on his agro economic paper. Seems some lucky Dutch travellers got last minute upgrades.
NW meal was fairly decent. In a way, it was ruined by the pre meal drinks and the large dish of nuts offered to passengers. Think I had the duck for the main meal. Tried to watch an old movie about Vincent van Gogh but I couldn’t bear to watch that or any other offering.
Waited for the second meal when the flight entered U.S. airspace, and waited and waited. The cheese souffle and fruit plate were served when descent has started and the flight was over the east end of Long island. It had to be consumed fast and clear up ended with only minutes to go before landing. Seems this incident isn’t uncommon as comments to this trip report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001942.html) indicate.
Got out of the a/c fast so I didn’t have too long of a wait through immigration. Went into Manhattan again via subway to hang out with a friend before heading to the BA/CX terminal via T3/4 to retrieve my left luggage
Previously-filed Trip Report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001921.html)
27 June CX 889 JFK 2215 (actual 2355) YVR 0055 (actual 0210) 744 4 (was 11A)
After meeting friends in Manhattan, I took the A train to Howard Beach which took long enough. Had to wait for the bus driver to finish a smoke before the shuttle would go to the terminals. When it did, he was racing through the LT parking lot before heading to JFK - I'll be glad when the billion dollar light rail is functional. I had to go to T1 to get my bag ($10/day) I had stowed there rather than drag it to CDG & AMS and then back. Fortunateloy, there was an inter-terminal shuttle bus outside when I went out again (there was another when I got off 2-3 minutes earlier and I figured with the bus drivers' union, I'd had to wait 30 minutes for the next one). I wasn't worried timewise as I'd checked the CX timetable and the incoming flight had gotten into and departed YVR some 2 hours late. Departure from JFK was to be at least an hour late.
Got to Terminal 7 and was duely checked in by BA staff. Went to the Terraces lounge. I am not sure if I like it better than the old one. Plenty of drinks available but not much in the way of snacks other than junk food. Secured a beach lounge chair and was rather irritated that the cushion kept sliding off. Also had a shower and noticed BA uses the same Moen(?) shower units used in LHR T4 lounges. You have to almost pull the teeth of the attendants to get any amenities out of them to use.
Boarding was eventually called just before 2300 and was nearly complete by then so one simply had to walk on.
The Broken Belt
After boarding, I got to my seat of 11A. Tried to fasten the belt but noticed that the friction device wasn't working and it'd just slide to the end. I notified an FA who called one of the "engineers" (i.e., mechanics). They had no spares and asked if there was spare seat. J was completely full so CX must have oversold Economy (there were at least 9 J/D and 3 F/A inventory seats available the day before). So the engineer said there were no spares and it'd have to wait until Vancouver and asked the CSD if there were any spare meals up front. There were so I was asked to move to seat 4A.
Service was rather spotty as I had come up late. No menu was offered until after takeoff and when they had already taken my dinner order. No preflight drinks (other than the one I brought with me from the back) and I was given a BC amenity kit. They did take a post takeoff drink order at some point.
After takeoff, the FA came around to set up the table (couldn't figure out how to do it and wasn't in the mood to explore what the Betsy setup was at it had been 24 hrs since I left my hotel in AMS to checkin to fly to JFK) with the tablecloth, split egg porcelain pepper/salt shaker, dish of butter and 2 nice glasses for wine and water. The cutlery is set for each course and is of a nice heavy weight.
Menu:
I'm a bit confused what was actually available:
Oscietre Caviar
This was served from the trolley with a choice of chopped onions, egg whites, egg yolks, mayonnaise and melba toast and blinis. The half lemon was wrapped in mueslin cloth. No drink offered with the caviar.
Light Options of
Crab meat and sweet corn soup
Had this which was o.k. but a bit bland. FA did offer freshly ground pepper but it didn't work too well.
Teriyaki Chicken with caesar salad served with caesar dressing.
Main Courses
Medallions of veal with sauteed portabello mushroom cream sauce served with mashed red potatoes and seasonal vegetable parcels.
Had this which was two small veal medallions. The meat was overcooked and a bit tough.
Gnocchi with Chanterelle tomato sauce erved with Green Asparagus
Cheese selection:
4 choices: had a chevre and a brie filled with some unknown/unidentified substance - served with crackers, apple wedges, red and wine grapes and vegetables - port offered which I declined.
Dessert:
New York Style cheesecake served with strawberry sauce
Had this with decaf coffee which was served on it's own little tray with a little coffee pot full, evaporated milk (this is the preferred creamer in east asia) and sachets of brown sugar in its own container.
Wines:
I'm not all the impressed by CX's wine selection. Offerings seem to be the same as BA's FC but there's one less of red and white (3 reds and 2 whites - no dessert wine).
The wines on the list were Krug Grande Cuvee champagne, Chateau Lynch-Bages 1988 (Pauillac), Chateau Sainte Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot 1996, Gevrey Chambertin La Justice 1995, Dry Creek Reserve Chardonnay Sonoma 1998 and Louis Max Chablis Grand Cru 1996.
The French wines are on the dry side and don’t have the fruit and body for an enjoyable inflight drink.
The FA offered me a duvet after the meal which is supposed to cover you rather than to sleep on like on BA. I slept on mine and was fast out until the announcement was made for landing at YVR.
Got out of the a/c quickly but still had to wait for the bags that took just about 15-20 minutes. Had a quick secondary inspection as I had come from the Netherlands with my bags being x-rayed for food.
I'm not sure how much I like CX's FC product over BA's sample of one vs. sample of 6. There are plusses and minuses in both but I give the nod to BA's for now.
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 12-13-2001).]
Flight Summary:
Alll flights in June
4 CX YVR HKG 744 BC
5 CX HKG BKK 772 BC
8 CX BKK HKG 773 BC
11 CX HKG KUL 772 BC
12 MH KUL JHB 734 EC
15 MH JHB KUL 734 EC
15 MH KUL LGK 734 EC
20 MH LGK PEN 734 BC
21 MH PEN KUL 734 BC
21 CX KUL HKG 343 BC
21 CX HKG CDG 744 BC
22 AA CDG JFK 763 EC
22 AA JFK EZE 772 EC
24 AA EZE JFK 772 EC
25 AA JFK CDG 772 EC
26 KL CDG AMS 738 BC
27 NW AMS JFK 744 BC
27 CX JFK YVR 744 FC
Hotels:
5-8 Regent Bangkok
8-11 Regal HK
11-12 Hyatt Saujana Kuala Lumpur
12-15 Hyatt Johor Bahru
15-20 Sheraton Perdana
20-21 Sheraton Penang
23-24 Hilton Buenos Aires
26-27 Hilton AMS
4 June CX 889 YVR 0205 HKG 06XX+1 744 B-HUG 81A
Had originally tought of heading off on 3 June on CX 839, the day flight, but decided to save the expense of an overnight in HKG.
Got to the airport at 10 or 11 the night before and had to wait for the CX check-in stuff setup and open the check-in desk. Took them some 10-15 minutes to get it all set up (much faster than it took 2 Thai staff to open check-in at BKK for BA that took some 45 minutes).
Check in was fast and I was off to the CX lounge after paying the C$15 airport tax/fee. The CX lounge was pretty quiet and always well-stocked with food. It became very busy when the incoming flight from JFK arrived and transit pax came in (they’re now not allowed off the a/c). Boarding began just after 1am. I went straight upstairs to my bulkhead row seat. I noticed on a flight last year that CX business class seats are not particularly comfortable for long overnight flights and this one was no different. The nice thing with the window bulkhead seat is one can use the side storage bins for a foot rest. I think the FAs (this crew ddn’t seem particularly efficient or graceful - bordering on inept - compared to other CX J staff). The upper deck was nearly full with the seat next to mine the only unoccupied seat (other than the 2 bulkhead seats on the other side of the aisle reserved from flight crew rest). Amenities kit was a L’Occitant one.
The flight crew was in a rush to get to HKG and I think pushback was 15-30 minutes early. A light snack was served after takeoff (all menus already sent to Carfield). Tried to sleep the night away but was awake for about 1/2 the flight. Breakfast served prior to arrival into HKG which was some 1 hr early. Aircraft docked at one of the preferred gates so getting to the CX Wing lounge didn’t take too long. Got to a shower to clean off the gunk of a 16 hour journey. I see that CX changed the library/reading room (in the BC section) to something more useful - a room with internet access terminals.
Did a search and found an earlier trip report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001844.html)
5 June CX 713 HKG 0855 BKK 10XX 772 B-HND 12H
Took at train to the nether regions of HKG to board the flight to BKK. The flight was not particularly full (can’t remember if this flight went on to SIN or turned around for HKG). Boarding was fast given the seperate line and entry way for premium pax. Noticed the side seat in row 11 on these 2-class 777s. It’s on the aisle but the adjacent “seat” serves at a footrest holder for the person behind this “seat” and a table for the person in row 11. The flight was pretty much routine wth usual CX service. The menus for this season featured creations of classical chinese cuisine created by the Garden chain of restaurants in HKG. I took the Chinese meal option on this breakfast flight. Didn’t have too long a wait for immigration on arrival into BKK but did observe the shortcut via the immigration office in action that several travellers were using.
Stayed at the Regent as my mother had managed to acquire prepaid stay vouchers in Australia for some low rate (<<USD100 inc. tax and breakfast). The rooms seemed a bit dated but still wonderfully large and reasonably well-maintainded since my first/last stay here in 1989. Lots of nice amenities and a fruit amenity that was changed daily. The buffet breakfast is excellent although some of the seasonings with the fresh fruit take a litle bit of getting used to. The hotel itself was undergoing a soft renovation.
8 June CX 750 HKG 1100 HKG 14XX 773 B-HNL 12C
Usual check in and departure through Thai immigration control. The CX lounge was closed for renovation so some lounge/cafe was available in its place. This flight was my first (and so far only) on a 777-300. I couldn’t tell the difference as I never wandered past the rear of the forward cabin but it did appear to be long. The a/c was making a stop en route from either the Gulf states or India. Arrival into HKG was pretty much ontime. There was some wait through immigration (about 10-15 minutes) but not too bad. Luggage was waiting when I cleared.
Decided to go down market and stayed at the Regal Causeway Bay as there was a decent rate and it was convenient for me (HKD 700 - CO puts up its FAs here). The rooms are decently-sized for H.K. and the hotel isn't that old. Got a high floor which helped reduced traffic noise (windows are only single glazed).
Was originally going to go to Cebu to use up my mileage allowance (one leg on a 744 with C seats in the FC cabin! - Had to give this up but I got something better at the end). There was excess mileage (< 5% over the 23,000 mile allowance) so I had to pay an extra 5% which the CX CTO in the Peninsula tower in Kowloon handled.
11 June CX 721 HKG 1455 KUL 1??? 772 B-HNA 11A
Checked in at the Central Airport Express station and took the train to HKG. The cab driver we took from Causeway Bay to the station tried to sell us a ride to the airport. Father was going on to SIN on SQ. Once we got through immigration, I asked about getting him as a guest in which the CX staff didn’t have a problem with.
Had lunch here (it’s nice, and free) and I also got to catch up on e-mail. His 744 flight was halfway down the terminal so we walked there. I still had tiem to spare so went back to the Wing, before heading out to the nether regions yet again for the KUL flight (this is the one that continues on to PEN).
Usual service and meal. Nothing exceptional to report.
CX Inflight entertainment
Didn’t notice the AVOD on the CX flights as I only stayed with audio or the flight map. I don’t recall many of the CX a/c being equipped with the expanded channel selection let alone AVOD.
Minimal waits for anything at KUL. Took a prepaid taxi to the Hyatt Saujana which is in the middle of an industrial/commercial estate outside town (only stayed at the Hyatt to get a free weekend night). The room I was given (at a MYR 190 rate including tax and breakfast) was one floor above the regency club level. Room was decent but I hated the cheap bidet toilet seat add-on. Was kept up at night trying to find the mosquito hiding in my room.
I wondered what the little green arrow stuck on the ceiling (and also in bedside drawers) were for. Only later did I realise they had a religious significance.
The breakfast was interesting - not because of the food and the other guests (golfers from Singapore apparently). There was no bacon but some simulated stuff made of meat from non-porcine animals. The remoteness and difficulty in getting a taxi (need to plan/book well ahead) is a drawback for those who want to be near the city.
This was my first visit to Malaysia in some 22 years and I noticed that Islam is more observed now than it appeared to be in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Certainly more women were covering their hair and wearing the long robes.
Spent the next day going to Ipoh and then headed down to KUL.
12 June MH XXX KUL 21XX JHB 2XXX 734
Just missed an earlier flight to JHB. Following deregulation in Malaysia, there were at least 2 other airlines but now it’s just MH domestically and no competition. As the fare was very cheap and first/business class was not much more, I tried to upgrade (mainly to get into the lounge) but BC/FC was full. Waited in KUL which has nothing much to offer.
Flight to JHB was very brief (good thing as it was pretty full). One round of drinks (one or two choices) served in the back cabin. Got onto a bus for the town (the bus goes on to SIN). Get dropped off just before the causeway and took a taxi to the Johor Bahru Hyatt.
This location is comparatively in the middle of nowhere (not as bad as Saujana) and a bit tired (it needs upkeep). Got upgraded to a RC room as the hotel was full of some chinese christian group. Not bad at an all-inclusive rate of MYR 190 with double dip breakfast in the cafe and RC (both serving regional delicacies). RC also served an afternoon tea and had a nice view of the north-eastern part of Singapore through the windows - albeit if you could see through the condensation. Wines offered were some cheap nasty stuff (might have gone off in the heat). Spent a few days tasting the delicacies on offer (Satay 10 sticks for MYR 4, teh terik) and revisiting natural attractions of my childhood days that are much less natural now. Near the Hyatt is an Indian cafe which still serves curries served on a big leaf with no eating utensils (use your fingers) - the traditional way. As remote as it was, there was a westerner eating there. One nice souvenir found at an Ace hardware store was an electronic fly swatter that continues to marvel.
15 June MH XXX JHB 1XXX KUL 1XXX 734
Another short flight back to KUL enroute to LGK. There were 4 adults and 3 children travelling. Bought upgrades for the adults at KUL so we could get into the MH domestic lounge. The free food and drinks at KUL was a nice way to spend the 3 hr layover. Malaysia/India snacks and a nasi (rice dish) were available.
15 June MH XXX KUL 1XXX LGK 1XXX 734
A slightly-longer flight to LGK. Youngest niece wanted to sit with me so I let my nephew sit with his mum (my sister) in FC/BC.
Took a van taxi to the Sheraton Perdana. It’s a nice resort but watch for the nasty sand flies. There are monkeys on the property. Rooms are decently-sized. Spent more time here eating fine Malaysian food (satay MYR 3-3.50 for 10). Also went to have a look at the Datai.
The hotel would not give me Starwood ponts for the stay as they said we were apparently on a wholesale rate even though it was the rate offered to us by sales for a family group (4 rooms for 4-5 nights). Not staying at a Starwood property again (unless it’s pricelined) as a result.
20 June MH XXX LGK 1XXX PEN 1XXX 734
Bought FC/BC tickets for my parents and myself. Other sister and B-i-L had come in from LHR via BKK and KUL a few days earlier and we all departed on the same day. This time, the lounge staff would not let the non EC pax go to the lounge even though it was empty. No loss as their flight departed shortly.
90 mile flight to PEN was brief with the trip lengthened by rounding the island from the west and then approaching from the south. A bigger seat, preflight drinks and wider inflight drink selection and canapes are what you get for a slightly more expensive fare. Saw a unmarked 767 (N767KS) which I’ve seen in other places.
Stayed at the Sheraton Penang (was hoping for the Free Fridays) at a cheap published rate (again MYR 190 or so) which included breakfast and tax. Got an upgrade to the executive floor. Hotel was a Merlin and is not well kept or finished but it was acceptable for that rate. Turns out this hotel may have been built on the land that the house my grandmother grew up in was on. Spent the evening finding delicious Penang delicacies. Also got around to the west side of Penang which is still relatively undeveloped and still has the very old malay houses with the intricate wood work/latticing. See and photograph these before they go. Breakfast was buffet style and included a good number of regional specialities.
21 June MH XXX PEN 1XXX KUL 1XXX 734
Checked in for the flight to KUL. Parents were going direct to SIN. Can’t remember using the lounge here. Uneventful short flight to KUL.
21 June CX 724 KUL 1730 HKG 2XXX 343 1K
Got my bag and rechecked myself at the CX counter and then through immigration/security and the shuttle to the international terminal. CX lounge is hidden upstairs. It’s an o.k. lounge but snack availability is somewhat poor.
Boarded the A340 which was one of those leased from CA. I knew this in advanced and got a seat in the FC section (same service/seat as BC section but more leg room and recline). The FAs kept the curtain between the two sections closed for whatever reason.
Arrived in HKG at the far section of the pier and got to the train stop just as a train pulled in. Only some 1/2 dozen others from my flight were quick enough to get the train (the waits are ridiculous and longer than they have to be as the trains only take passengers in one direction). Go to the transfer security area and go to the Wing for a shower.
21 June CX 261 HKG 2325 CDG 0XXX+1 744 B-HOW 11A
This flight to CDG was pretty full. Had a French seatmate next to me in my bulkhead wndow seat. Usual service and meal (dinner and breakfast). The flight route was a bit unusual as it first headed north (even slightly east) into the mainland before heading west over Russia due to favourable winds there. The entry into western europe was quite northerly (over the Gulf of Finland). Unfortunately it was cloudy for most of the daytime part of the flight until the the Rhein region. Landing into Paris was directly in but the taxi to the gate at CDG 2 was long. Earlier trip report on route (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001946.html) here.
Quick trip through French immigration (advantage of being seated right by 1L). Luggage handling staff here are AA ones. Took the RER train into gare du Nord where I found a place to stash my bags for the day (no left luggage facilities are available at CDG).
Wandered around the left bank and other parts of Paris for the day before heading to gar du Nord to get my bags and take a train back to CDG.
This following trip on AA was chosen as a fairly-efficient mileage run to requalify for AA PLT in one shot (needlessly as it turned out).
22 June AA 121 CDG 1755 JFK 1XXX 763 28J
This flight was shown as overbooked before I left Canada so I was hoping for a bump. Checked in after a fairly long wait in the premium check in where I got myself on the volunteer list. The offer was $1,000 voucher + hotel and meals. I would have loved to get my money back *and* the bump compensation. There was a long queue through French immigration due to a AF 742 flight to somewhere (Port du Prince?). Declined to join this line and instead headed to an empty immigration station and found my way to the gate area which required going upstairs through a cafetaria. Rechecked at the AA desk to make sure I was on the bump list and went downstairs to the AA lounge.
Turns out no volunteers were required. Those waiting to get one must have been non-revs and other pax who has missed the earlier flight. All the volunteers were boarded and there were some empty seats so sme standbys got on.
This flight was the first of 4 AA flight on a/c that didn’t appear to have been configured for MRTC (at least compared to my 5 AA M80 flights in). Usual AA service. Those who asked for wine on on the first round of refreshments were given two 1/2 bottles. Worked for me as I slept after finishing dinner until the pizza snack was served before arrival at JFK.
Immigration was quick at JFK. Had a quick visit through customs as I had some sea shells with me. Rechecked in for:
22 June AA 955 JFK 2215 EZE 1XXX+1 772 28C
Went to the AC lounge for a shower. Had the AC agent block me a row of 5 seats and gave her an SOS. Unfortunately, the seat map was inaccurate and I got the rear cabin bulkhead row with fixed armrests.
The meal services were immemorable. The alfajores was the highlight of the meal. The recline on the 772 seats are worse than what I remembered on the M80 seats.
Moved up to the 2nd row of economy seats when the a/c started descent for EZE so I could get through immigration faster. These seats are quite nice as they are configured for more leg room. Got out quickly and bought my ticket for the Manuel Tienda Leon bus to downtown Bs As. Was supposed to get on the 1100 but just made the 1030 bus. Transferred at the downtown station for a shuttle to the Hilton. It’s so new the driver got lost going there.
Got to the Buenos Aires Hilton (for the 3rd EWRDC stay) and marvelled at this wonderful hotel with the open atrium with a clear roof. Got upgraded to a executive floor room which was nice and large. The room (overlooking the Puerto Madero docks) was large and had a large walk-in closet with safe. The marble/granite bathroom had a seperate shower and bath, and seperately-closeted toilet and bidet. After I returned from lunch and a walk, a pastry dessert amenity was waiting in my room.
I had an encounter with the deteriorating fiscal and financial situation in Argentina - being squirted by pickpockets (they used a green liquid to simulate bird do and “offered” to help clean up). As many of you know, the Argentinean economy hasbeen in a recession for several years due to factors including excessive budget deficits and the uncompetive valuation of the Peso (pegged at parity to the USD) compared to the Brasilean real which has devalued substantially. Government workes, pensioners, and business supplying the government are paid in IOUs as there is no money to pay obligations. I saw beggars (even women with children) which i didn’t see on previous visits in 1991 or 1995. I try to help the Argentinean ecnomy by diverting my wine budget its way.
Too tired after 2 consecutive overnight flights, I just dined on snacks in the lounge which were adequate.
There’s a disco next to the Hilton that uses a bass that is felt much more than heard. That kept me up part of the night. Had a double dip breakfast (in the lounge and in the cafe as my room rate includded breakfast) before heading for a walk to the Recoleta cemetery, Teatro Colon (always miss the tours) and to some market near the Italian plaza (it wasn’t open) before heading back via the Casa Rosada. Noted that the windmill (molino?) tea house near the parliament was boarded up.
The Hilton gave ma a late check-out so I got on the 5pm MTL shuttle for the airport.
24 June AA 956 EZE 2030 JFK 06XX+1 772 41C
Got to the airport and checked in. 10minute wait through security/immigration and went to the AA AC. Got the 2nd last row this time and 4 seats with moveable armrest. This flight crew was the same one that came down the previous day. The seats are not particularly comfortable for lying down on but it was better than sitting up.
Flight got into JFK at 0530 but we had to stay onboard as immigration at NYC doesn’t open until 0600. A long wait (45 minutes) to the escalators as several flights from S. America deplaned at the same time. Even the flight crew had a bit of a wait.
Went to look for a left luggage office (didn’t want to haul the bags to Europe, lug them around Paris and then bring them back) and eventually found on in T3 (or 4) where they photograph you when you leave your bags. Went to Greenwich Village to meet a former b-school finance professor and then had a BBQ lunch with a b-school classmate in downtown (11th street area) travelling on the subway there and back.
25 June AA 44 JFK 1815 CDG 0XXX+1 772 27H
A pretty much full flight for those in the back. No calls for volunteers and I wasn’t upgraded but had an emergency exit seat. Seatmate by the window was off to Italy to visit her son in the military. Dinner service and then a light breakfast on this flight. I think I slept for most of it.
See this earlier-filed report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001918.html) about some fellow travellers who had some difficulty with the lavatory doors which provided the most entertainment.
A/c arrived at the CDG terminal with no gate so it was a hard stand and the busses. Didn’t get on the first bus but there wasn’t too much of a queue at immigration when I got there. There was a family who couldn’t get their carryons up the stairs (be prepared to carry what you bring on!)
The shuttle bus stop had moved since arrived in CDG 4 days earlier so I ended up missing a bus to the RER. Went into town and then the latin quarter to see a street market. Took a RER train up to to St. Denis to visit a friend who comes up from the Grenoble vicinity weekly and had a lunch at one of those wonderful restaurants that serve a delicious 3 course lunch and wine for $10.
Taken in full from an earlier (but unfinished) posted report.
26 June KL 1238 CDG 1705 1820 737-800 PH-BXK 2C
After having lunch with my friend in St. Denis, I took the RER back into Gare du Nord (inadvertently taking a train to the surafce station) and then headed back out to CDG on an express RER (no stops to CDG). Got to T1 stop only to find no shuttle bus (operated by Aeroports de Paris) to T1. When it did come, it was filled with pax who were getting out and rapidly filled with pax going to T1, leaving many behind. What was more frustrating, 3 busses left for CDG Terminal 2 when there is a RER stop for T2.
Gave myself enough time (2+ hours to spare) when I got to the terminal. Found my way up the labyrinth (note: CDG1's futuristic architecture has not aged well) to the KL BC check-in. Waited for a minute or 2 before the KLM UK agent asked me to check in which only took a few minutes. Headed off to Satellite 7 and found there was no lounge there so I asked. Was given a pass to the Louis Bleriot lounge which is in the main terminal and well hidden. You have to pass through immigration (the lounge receipt speeds up the process). it’s an o.k. lounge with ample liquid refreshments and papers, but there is no non-smokign section.
Returned to the gate where boarding was a bit late due to a late incoming flight. This was my first flight on a 737NG, not that I could tell the difference. KL configures business class in a 2-3 setting (seats are not the convertible type that BA or IB used). My seat was a bulkhead one as there is no 1A and 1C. There was a delay in pushback due to ATC hold but there was plenty of time built into the schedule.
After takeoff, a snack was offered. It had a rice salad, a wrap and a sandwich (if I recall correctly). Quite substantial for a sort flight. Service was fairly efficient and friendly on this short flight.
Quick trip through Netherlands immigration and AMS. Had to wait in the heat and sun for the Hilton shuttle bus (found out I could have walked there in the time as it is very close by).
An upgrade to the executive floor (this stay was for the final EWRDC stay) was waiting for me at the Hilton AMS. The room was a bit small (like a standard room in the U.S.) but adequate for me. There was a view of one of the gate areas and the end of a runway so it gave me a chance to watch air traffic. A fruit amenity was there in my room. The lounge offered afternoon snacks and drinks. Was thinking of going into the city but I was too tired for this (2 consecutive overnight flights again, 4 in 5 nights).
Had breakfast the next morning in the lounge (full dutch breakfast) before checking out and heading for the terminal.
27 June NW 61 AMS 1XXX JFK 1XXX 744
After check in, headed through immigration and to the KL lounge. Didn’t have too much time here before having to go to the gate and a 2nd round of security. Took my window seat which was the 2nd row behind the upper deck exit. Seatmate was a dutch professor off to give a talk on his agro economic paper. Seems some lucky Dutch travellers got last minute upgrades.
NW meal was fairly decent. In a way, it was ruined by the pre meal drinks and the large dish of nuts offered to passengers. Think I had the duck for the main meal. Tried to watch an old movie about Vincent van Gogh but I couldn’t bear to watch that or any other offering.
Waited for the second meal when the flight entered U.S. airspace, and waited and waited. The cheese souffle and fruit plate were served when descent has started and the flight was over the east end of Long island. It had to be consumed fast and clear up ended with only minutes to go before landing. Seems this incident isn’t uncommon as comments to this trip report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001942.html) indicate.
Got out of the a/c fast so I didn’t have too long of a wait through immigration. Went into Manhattan again via subway to hang out with a friend before heading to the BA/CX terminal via T3/4 to retrieve my left luggage
Previously-filed Trip Report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001921.html)
27 June CX 889 JFK 2215 (actual 2355) YVR 0055 (actual 0210) 744 4 (was 11A)
After meeting friends in Manhattan, I took the A train to Howard Beach which took long enough. Had to wait for the bus driver to finish a smoke before the shuttle would go to the terminals. When it did, he was racing through the LT parking lot before heading to JFK - I'll be glad when the billion dollar light rail is functional. I had to go to T1 to get my bag ($10/day) I had stowed there rather than drag it to CDG & AMS and then back. Fortunateloy, there was an inter-terminal shuttle bus outside when I went out again (there was another when I got off 2-3 minutes earlier and I figured with the bus drivers' union, I'd had to wait 30 minutes for the next one). I wasn't worried timewise as I'd checked the CX timetable and the incoming flight had gotten into and departed YVR some 2 hours late. Departure from JFK was to be at least an hour late.
Got to Terminal 7 and was duely checked in by BA staff. Went to the Terraces lounge. I am not sure if I like it better than the old one. Plenty of drinks available but not much in the way of snacks other than junk food. Secured a beach lounge chair and was rather irritated that the cushion kept sliding off. Also had a shower and noticed BA uses the same Moen(?) shower units used in LHR T4 lounges. You have to almost pull the teeth of the attendants to get any amenities out of them to use.
Boarding was eventually called just before 2300 and was nearly complete by then so one simply had to walk on.
The Broken Belt
After boarding, I got to my seat of 11A. Tried to fasten the belt but noticed that the friction device wasn't working and it'd just slide to the end. I notified an FA who called one of the "engineers" (i.e., mechanics). They had no spares and asked if there was spare seat. J was completely full so CX must have oversold Economy (there were at least 9 J/D and 3 F/A inventory seats available the day before). So the engineer said there were no spares and it'd have to wait until Vancouver and asked the CSD if there were any spare meals up front. There were so I was asked to move to seat 4A.
Service was rather spotty as I had come up late. No menu was offered until after takeoff and when they had already taken my dinner order. No preflight drinks (other than the one I brought with me from the back) and I was given a BC amenity kit. They did take a post takeoff drink order at some point.
After takeoff, the FA came around to set up the table (couldn't figure out how to do it and wasn't in the mood to explore what the Betsy setup was at it had been 24 hrs since I left my hotel in AMS to checkin to fly to JFK) with the tablecloth, split egg porcelain pepper/salt shaker, dish of butter and 2 nice glasses for wine and water. The cutlery is set for each course and is of a nice heavy weight.
Menu:
I'm a bit confused what was actually available:
Oscietre Caviar
This was served from the trolley with a choice of chopped onions, egg whites, egg yolks, mayonnaise and melba toast and blinis. The half lemon was wrapped in mueslin cloth. No drink offered with the caviar.
Light Options of
Crab meat and sweet corn soup
Had this which was o.k. but a bit bland. FA did offer freshly ground pepper but it didn't work too well.
Teriyaki Chicken with caesar salad served with caesar dressing.
Main Courses
Medallions of veal with sauteed portabello mushroom cream sauce served with mashed red potatoes and seasonal vegetable parcels.
Had this which was two small veal medallions. The meat was overcooked and a bit tough.
Gnocchi with Chanterelle tomato sauce erved with Green Asparagus
Cheese selection:
4 choices: had a chevre and a brie filled with some unknown/unidentified substance - served with crackers, apple wedges, red and wine grapes and vegetables - port offered which I declined.
Dessert:
New York Style cheesecake served with strawberry sauce
Had this with decaf coffee which was served on it's own little tray with a little coffee pot full, evaporated milk (this is the preferred creamer in east asia) and sachets of brown sugar in its own container.
Wines:
I'm not all the impressed by CX's wine selection. Offerings seem to be the same as BA's FC but there's one less of red and white (3 reds and 2 whites - no dessert wine).
The wines on the list were Krug Grande Cuvee champagne, Chateau Lynch-Bages 1988 (Pauillac), Chateau Sainte Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot 1996, Gevrey Chambertin La Justice 1995, Dry Creek Reserve Chardonnay Sonoma 1998 and Louis Max Chablis Grand Cru 1996.
The French wines are on the dry side and don’t have the fruit and body for an enjoyable inflight drink.
The FA offered me a duvet after the meal which is supposed to cover you rather than to sleep on like on BA. I slept on mine and was fast out until the announcement was made for landing at YVR.
Got out of the a/c quickly but still had to wait for the bags that took just about 15-20 minutes. Had a quick secondary inspection as I had come from the Netherlands with my bags being x-rayed for food.
I'm not sure how much I like CX's FC product over BA's sample of one vs. sample of 6. There are plusses and minuses in both but I give the nod to BA's for now.
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 12-13-2001).]